Environmental Management

Environmental Management System

Sojitz and other relevant Group companies have acquired ISO 14001 certification, the international standard for environmental management, and are using environmental management systems (EMS) based on this standard.

Sojitz established an environmental management organization
headed by the President & CEO. The Sustainability Committee handles
the development of environmental policies and review of the EMS. Each
department appoints persons in charge of environmental matters and
takes measures according to their respective business activities such
as promotion of environmentally friendly businesses. Sojitz also conducts
internal environmental audits every year to ensure proper implementation
and continual improvement of its EMS.

ISO14001 approval was acquired on August 20, 1999. As of March 16, 2006, the company's ISO 14001 registration was transferred to a new registrar, as a result of the business integration of certification bodies

Compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations

We remain apprised of the applicable laws and regulations to regularly confirm compliance conditions not only at Sojitz Corporation, but also at our Group companies. Internal audits of our Group companies also include checks on these compliance conditions. Additionally, we invited an outside expert on waste management law to hold a seminar in the financial year ended March 31st, 2018 for 80 participants, including Group companies.

Managing Environmental Risk
for new Investment & Loan Projects

Prior to deliberating on new investment and loan projects,
we require the department applying for investment and loan approval
to complete an “Environmental and Social Risk Checklist.” Using the
checklist, the department confirms that they have conducted the required
due diligence and taken all necessary measures to deal with potential
environmental risks, such as impact to biodiversity; soil, groundwater,
or water contamination; impact on water resources in areas where such
resources are limited; and impact on indigenous peoples.

Environmental Protection and Social Contribution Initiatives in Mine Development and Operation business

In its mine development and operation business, Sojitz
gives due consideration to environmental protection, health and safety
management, and contribution to local communities.

Mine development entails various risks, but we proceed with projects
only after internally verifying that sufficient pollution and accident
prevention measures are in place. This allows us to prevent risks
before they materialize. Even after the mine is in operation, we work
to ensure that it operates continuously with thorough safety and health
management processes. We also strive to reduce environmental impact
and promote environmental conservation through measures such as mine
rehabilitation for all mines as necessary. For example, at a Sojitz-owned
open-cut coal mine in Australia we keep the topsoil that is removed
for mining and use it after the mining is finished to cover up the
mined area. We then work to restore the land to its original condition
by planting new native vegetation. In addition, we implement various
social contribution activities based on the theme of sustainable coexistence
with surrounding communities.

Initiatives at the Minerva Coal Mine

The Minerva Coal Mine in Australia, which Sojitz operates
with a 96% stake, also contributes to society by working with surrounding
communities to maintain the local ecosystem. For example, we have
supported efforts to protect the bridled nail-tailed wallaby, an
endangered species. In recognition of this assistance, in November
2013 the Minerva Coal Mine received the first prize in the Energy
and Sustainability category of the 2013 Queensland Regional Achievement
& Community Awards. The mine was selected from among 190 organizations
and programs for the award, and was highly evaluated for its activities
emphasizing coexistence with surrounding communities.

We will continue to take a proactive approach to safety and health
management to ensure continuous operation of the mine, as well as
initiatives to protect the environment and benefit surrounding communities.

Environmental Education and Training

To improve understanding of the Company's EMS and the environment by personnel, Sojitz provides training for persons responsible for environmental issues, new employees and internal environmental audit personnel, as well as e-learning-based environmental education. Environmental information is also provided on Sojitz's "CSR & Environment" intranet site.

The Company encourages employees to take the Eco Test, a certification test for environmental specialists administered by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In addition, the Company engages in tree-thinning and mowing as the Group’s forest conservation activities.